Tumble 22 - Texas Chicken Joint — Restaurant in Houston

Hello Management of this location! I am messaging to explain my reasoning for walking my tab today 2/22/25 5:35pm, as after 3 clear issues a manager never made an attempt to visit the table and after I was utterly fed up, the server fumbling to issue our check, me leaving with fresh food in To go boxes instead of dining in as we wanted, i was frustrated angry and simply over the whole situation and late to work, so I walked the tab.

We started out great, location was at capacity as the restaurant had a huge party and all other tables occupied against my bf request to eat somewhere else i didn’t want to leave as i had been dying to try this play. The server started out on a great note offering us the “1st time sampler”, and your margarita day special. We placed our order and w/in 10-15 mins “Food was brought to our table”.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t our order! My boyfriend’s chicken was at the wrong heat level. My order was completely wrong 4 thighs instead of the 1/2 chicken and double fries instead of fries and mac.

The bartender with dreads almost made me walk then as he questioned why i said that it was my food when he placed it in front of me however when he asked i was assuming only thing was missing was the mac. But to be question and then he makes a rude hand gesture to wave me off as he walked away was strike 1. And needs to be addressed.

At 4.35pm a corrected order was supposedly put in. No one visits our table until i request and he says the food is coming out shortly thats at 5pm.

3 @ 5:15 no food is still out and i have to be to work at 6. Server comes by says it will be one more minute. I then say cancel my order just bring my bf’s, then food doesn’t come till 5:25. At this point I’m fuming and realize we dont have time for my bf to eat. 5:30 food arrives and we have to request togo plates which for 6 pieces of chicken he bring the smallest togo box.

5:40 still no check. At this point I’m like LET’s go. But my bf was scared of some consequence.

The server approaches apologetic at least and says would u like the check or do you want more margs. With a disdain in my voice I’m like give me the check. But then it kicks in my mind WAIT.

IM GOING TO PAY FOR FOOD I ORDERED TO EAT INSIDE WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET TO EAT TOGETHER THEN HE HAS TO TAKE IT HOME COLD AND RAINED ON. NOPE IM NOT PAYING. THEN SERVER SAYS LET ME JUST LET THE MANGER KNOW. which was fine however i had an appointment at 6 and still had to run my bf home. AND HIM TELLING THE MANAGER WAS NOT GOING TO CHANGE THE OUTCOME.

I dont owe u all any of this information but as an African American we are always given bad reputation when dining however this was the absolute worst dining experience I have ever had and at a chicken shack at that. We love chicken. And I have never walked a tab and was prepared to pay but for all the disrespect we endured, abominably poor service and the fact that we left with the whole meal in a to go box I felt u deserved non...

Sichuan Fries

These pack a punch—but not in the way you'd expect. The heat lingers in the back of the throat and warms the sinuses, similar to wasabi, while the mouthfeel remains relatively mild. The mustard sauce is bold and dominant, which might overpower the dish for some, but if you're a mustard fan, you’ll love it. The shredded chicken on top is thin and crisp, adding great texture. The fries themselves are left unseasoned, allowing the toppings to shine.

Dirty Fries

Like the Sichuan fries, these fries are unseasoned and slightly on the firmer side, likely to prevent sogginess from the cheese sauce. The shredded chicken is prepared the same way, providing a satisfying crunch. The cheese sauce, however, stands out—it’s not your typical variety. It appears to contain hatch chilies and a hint of cumin, giving it a unique depth of flavor. While they’re enjoyable, I’d personally pick the Sichuan fries over these.

Hot Chicken

The spice range here is impressive. The breading is light and crispy, while the chicken itself is juicy, tender, and served fresh. Based on taste and execution, I’d rank this as one of my favorite hot chicken spots in Houston.

Mac and Cheese

This is where this place truly shines. I’d go as far as to say I enjoyed the mac and cheese even more than the chicken. It’s a simple yet perfectly executed dish, creamy and comforting in the best way. The corkscrew pasta is cooked just right, holding onto the cheese sauce beautifully. A must-try.

Cole Slaw

While not groundbreaking, it’s still a solid slaw. I’ll admit my bias here—I’m not a fan of heavily dressed coleslaw—but for this style, it ranks among the better ones I’ve had.

Pecan Chocolate Toffee Pie

So good I couldn’t even wait to take a photo before digging in. The combination of rich toffee, creamy chocolate, and crunchy pecans creates a beautifully balanced dessert. If you visit, this is a must-try.

Overall Thoughts

This spot delivers on bold flavors and thoughtful execution. The Sichuan fries bring an exciting, sinus-clearing kick, while the mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort dish. The hot chicken stands out among Houston’s best, and the pecan chocolate toffee pie is an unforgettable way to end the meal. While the dirty fries and cole slaw weren’t personal favorites, they still held their own. If you’re looking for a mix of heat, crunch, and creamy indulgence, this place is...

I had the pleasure of dining at Tumble 22 on Houston Avenue in Houston, Texas, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted promptly and seated without delay. Our server, Janora, was exceptional—warm, attentive, and quick to get us started with drink orders. The beverage selection includes all the standard options, a full bar, and even milkshakes, which is a nice touch.

Since it was our first visit, Janora brought out a complimentary sampler platter featuring their chicken in various heat levels and a taste of all their sides—mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and greens. This thoughtful gesture was both welcoming and impressive, with each side holding its own in terms of flavor and quality.

For our main course, we opted for “The OG” chicken sandwich with a side of fries and the chicken Cobb salad. Both dishes were delicious and well-prepared. As an appetizer, we indulged in the deviled eggs topped with candied bacon—a savory and sweet delight. For the chicken, we tried the mid-range heat level, which I personally enjoyed, though my wife would have preferred something milder.

Although we were quite full, we couldn’t resist taking home slices of chocolate pecan pie and peanut butter pie for later. Both were excellent choices and well worth saving room for.

Overall, we found the pricing to be reasonable, considering the quality of food and service. Tumble 22 delivers a great mix of flavor, hospitality, and value, and we’ll...